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Mushroom Mac and Cheese

Mushroom Mac and Cheese
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Mushroom Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with savory sautéed mushrooms to create a comforting, umami-rich dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This versatile recipe is easy to customize and offers a rich, silky cheese sauce coating tender pasta and flavorful mushrooms.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta

Mushrooms & Aromatics

  • 10 oz fresh cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter (plus extra for sautéing mushrooms)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 3 cups warm milk or cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg

Optional Toppings (for baking)

  • ½ cup extra shredded cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, typically 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to keep it ready for mixing with the sauce later.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet and add finely chopped garlic and onion. Once fragrant, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, intensifying their flavor.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually add warm milk or cream, whisking continuously until thickened. Lower the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Gruyere cheese until melted and silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg.
  4. Combine Pasta, Mushrooms, and Cheese Sauce: Mix the sautéed mushrooms into the cheese sauce, then add the drained pasta. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly, ensuring every bite gets that perfect blend of creamy sauce and mushroom goodness.
  5. Bake for a Golden Finish (Optional): For an irresistibly crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Use room temperature milk to avoid lumps in your cheese sauce for a perfectly smooth texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms; cook in batches if needed to brown them instead of steaming.
  • Choose sharp cheeses like aged cheddar to add punch and balance creaminess.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine to brighten flavors and cut through richness.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken and develop deeper flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom mac and cheese, creamy mushroom pasta, vegetarian mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta with mushrooms

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/mushroom-mac-and-cheese/